8-Day Tour from Tangier to Marrakech via Chefchaouen, Fes and the Sahara
A compact Tangier to Marrakech itinerary: the blue city of Chefchaouen, Roman Volubilis, the medina of Fes, a night in the Erg Chebbi dunes and the kasbahs of the south
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Tour at a Glance
Duration
8 days and 7 nights
Tour Type
Private tour for your group only
Starts and Ends
Starts in Tangier (port, airport or hotel) and ends in Marrakech
Overnight
Riads, kasbahs and a Berber camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes
Highlights
Tangier, Tetouan, Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Meknes, Fes, Merzouga and Erg Chebbi, the Todra and Dades Gorges, Ait Ben Haddou and Marrakech
Price
On request. Contact us for a free quote
The Best Tangier to Marrakech Itinerary in 8 Days
This private Tangier to Marrakech itinerary fits the highlights of Morocco into eight days. Arriving by ferry from Spain or by plane, you start with the Kasbah of Tangier and the white medina of Tetouan, and spend your first night in Chefchaouen, the blue city of the Rif. Then come the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the imperial city of Meknes and a full guided day in the medina of Fes.
From Fes you cross the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas to Merzouga, ride a camel into the dunes of Erg Chebbi and sleep in a desert camp. The road west takes you through the Todra and Dades Gorges, the Valley of Roses and the UNESCO kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, then over the High Atlas to Marrakech. Want more time in Chefchaouen and the Sahara? See our 10-day tour from Tangier.
Tour Highlights
- The Kasbah of Tangier and Cap Spartel
- The white medina of Tetouan (UNESCO)
- A night in the blue city of Chefchaouen
- The Roman ruins of Volubilis and Meknes
- A guided day in the medina of Fes
- The Azrou cedar forest and the Ziz Valley
- A camel trek and a night in an Erg Chebbi desert camp
- The Todra Gorge and the Dades Gorges
- The UNESCO kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
- A guided morning in Marrakech
Day-by-Day Itinerary
This Tangier to Marrakech itinerary can be modified and designed according to your requirements and needs. Contact us to adapt it.
Day 1
Tangier, Cap Spartel, Tetouan and Chefchaouen
Pickup from the port, airport or your hotel in Tangier. Visit the Kasbah, with views across the Strait of Gibraltar, and Cap Spartel, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. Continue to Tetouan, whose white medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and into the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, the blue city, for a sunset walk through its lanes. Overnight in a riad in Chefchaouen.
Stops on Day 1
- Tangier Kasbah
- Cap Spartel
- Tetouan
- Chefchaouen
Day 2
Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Meknes and Fes
After a morning stroll in Chefchaouen, drive to Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman city in Morocco, with its mosaics and triumphal arch. Stop at the holy town of Moulay Idriss and the imperial city of Meknes, with the monumental Bab Mansour gate, before arriving in Fes. Overnight in a riad in the medina.
Stops on Day 2
- Chefchaouen
- Volubilis
- Meknes
- Fes
Day 3
A Guided Day in the Medina of Fes
Discover Fes el-Bali, the largest car-free medina in the world, with a local guide: the Bou Inania Medersa, the Al Quaraouiyine mosque and university, the Chouara tanneries and the craft souks of brass, cedar and leather. In the afternoon, enjoy the view from the Merenid Tombs. Read more in our guide to the medina of Fes. Overnight in your riad.
Stops on Day 3
- Bab Boujloud
- Bou Inania Medersa
- Chouara tanneries
- Merenid Tombs
Day 4
Fes, Ifrane, the Ziz Valley and Merzouga: Camel Trek and Desert Camp
Cross the Middle Atlas through Ifrane and the Azrou cedar forest, home of the Barbary macaques, then drive past Midelt and through the Ziz Valley to Merzouga. In the late afternoon you ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes to watch the sunset. Dinner with Berber drumming around the campfire and overnight in a desert camp.
Stops on Day 4
- Ifrane
- Azrou cedar forest
- Ziz Valley
- Merzouga
Day 5
Merzouga, Rissani, the Todra Gorge and the Dades Gorges
Wake early for sunrise over the dunes and ride back by camel. Visit the old market town of Rissani, then drive west to Tinghir and walk through the Todra Gorge, where cliffs rise 300 metres on either side of a narrow canyon. Continue to the Dades Gorges. Overnight in the Dades Valley.
Stops on Day 5
- Erg Chebbi sunrise
- Rissani
- Todra Gorge
- Dades Gorges
Day 6
The Valley of Roses, Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou
Follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through Kelaat M’Gouna, the Valley of Roses and the palm grove of Skoura. In Ouarzazate, our home town, visit the Taourirt Kasbah, then continue to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and climb to the old granary at sunset. Overnight in a kasbah guesthouse.
Stops on Day 6
- Valley of Roses
- Skoura
- Ouarzazate
- Ait Ben Haddou
Day 7
Ait Ben Haddou, the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and Marrakech
Cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, at 2,260 metres, with views over Berber villages and terraced valleys, and descend to Marrakech. In the evening, enjoy the storytellers, musicians and food stalls of Jemaa el-Fna square. Overnight in a riad in the medina.
Stops on Day 7
- Tizi n’Tichka
- Marrakech
- Jemaa el-Fna
Day 8
A Guided Morning in Marrakech and Departure
Discover the Red City with a local guide: the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs and the souks of spices, leather and lanterns. In the afternoon, transfer to your hotel or Marrakech Menara Airport. End of our services.
Stops on Day 8
- Koutoubia
- Bahia Palace
- Saadian Tombs
- Souks
What Is Included
Included
- Private tour for your group only
- English-speaking driver and private 4x4 or air-conditioned minivan with fuel
- 7 nights’ accommodation (riads, kasbahs and one night in a desert camp)
- Breakfast and dinner every day
- Camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Local guides for the medina of Fes and for Marrakech
- Pickup at the port, airport or hotel in Tangier and drop-off in Marrakech
Not Included
- Flights and ferry tickets
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments, Volubilis and kasbahs
- Optional activities (quad, 4x4 dune tour, sandboarding)
- Tips and personal expenses
Contact us to confirm the details of your Tangier to Marrakech itinerary for your dates and group size.
What to Bring
- Warm layers, as desert nights can be cold in winter
- Sun protection, sunglasses and a scarf for the dunes
- Comfortable shoes and a small overnight bag
- Cash for lunches, drinks and tips
- A camera and a power bank
Is This Tour Right for You?
This tour suits travellers with about a week who want to see the north, Fes, the Sahara and Marrakech in one trip. Days 1, 4 and 5 have longer drives, broken up by many stops.
Every Tangier to Marrakech itinerary we plan is private, with your own driver. For two nights in Chefchaouen and the Sahara, see our 10-day tour, or take two weeks with our 14-day tour with Essaouira.
More Tours You May Like
Compare our other tours from Tangier and Fes.
Chefchaouen, Volubilis, a day in Fes, two nights in the Sahara and Ait Ben Haddou.
Two nights in Chefchaouen, Fes, the Sahara, Marrakech and Essaouira, at a relaxed pace.
Two nights in the Merzouga desert, the Todra and Dades Gorges and Ait Ben Haddou.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 8 days enough to cross Morocco?
Yes, if you want the highlights. This Tangier to Marrakech itinerary includes Chefchaouen, a full day in Fes, a night in the Sahara and Ait Ben Haddou. For a slower pace, choose our 10-day or 14-day tours.
Can you pick me up at the ferry port?
Yes. We pick you up at Tanger Med or the Tangier Ville ferry port, at Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport or at your hotel.
Does the tour end in Marrakech?
Yes. It ends at your hotel or Marrakech Menara Airport on the afternoon of day 8.
Do I sleep in a desert camp?
Yes. On day 4 you ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes and sleep in a Berber desert camp, then watch the sunrise before riding back.
When is the best time to go?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for both the north and the desert. Summer is very hot in the Sahara.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. All our tours are private, and the itinerary can be adjusted to your pace, budget and interests.
How do I book or get a price?
Fill in the form at the bottom of this page or email travelstomorocco@gmail.com with your dates and the number of people, and we will reply with a free quote.
Plan Your Trip
Helpful pages before you book:
Ready to Cross Morocco from North to South?
Tell us your dates and group size, and we will send you a free quote for this trip.
Email: travelstomorocco@gmail.com | Phone: +212 6 62 38 50 95
Ask for Prices
Please fill in the form below or contact us directly by email at travelstomorocco@gmail.com, and we will answer you as soon as possible. Include your tour date and the number of people.